Diseases and Conditions

Other Bacterial Skin Infections

What are some common types of bacterial skin infections?

The following are common bacterial skin infections:

Infection

Symptoms

Treatment

Erysipelas

A skin infection caused by hemolytic streptococci, this condition usually affects the face, legs, or rarely in an area where
there has been trauma or the skin is cut. Typically, patients have a fever or flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Shiny, red, raised rash

Small blisters

Enlarged and tender lymph nodes

Treatment may include:

Antibiotics

Erythrasma

A skin infection of the top layers of skin, more prevalent in the tropics. The condition mainly affects adults and people
with diabetes. The condition usually appears in areas on the body where skin touches skin, such as under the breast and in
the groin area. Symptoms may include irregular pink patches that turn into brown scales.

Treatment may include:

Antibiotics

The infection may recur, requiring another treatment.

Impetigo

A skin infection, caused by a staphylococci infection, which is characterized by pus-filled blisters. Blisters can range in
size from peas to large rings. There is often oozing of honey-colored liquid and yellowish scabs. Impetigo tends to occur
on the face, arms, or legs. Impetigo is most common in children and very contagious.

Immediate treatment may help prevent impetigo from infecting deeper layers of skin. Treatment often includes antibiotics.

Paronychia

A skin infection around a fingernail or toenail. The infection can be caused by a break in the skin due to a hangnail, manicuring,
or other chronic irritation. Symptoms may include:

Pain

Pus-filled abscess

Treatment may include:

Hot compresses

Soaking in warm water

Cutting the abscess to drain the pus

Antibiotics

If caused by a fungus, an applications of antifungal cream or another antifungal medication

The symptoms of bacterial skin infections may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.